Open Sesame 20 of 20 by Kawakata Kaoru and Love Love Road by Fujisawa Shizuki (3L manga out now)

Open Sesame © Kawakata Kaoru/Kodansha (Serialized in Magazine Special)
Published in Indonesia by PT Tiga Lancar Semesta/3L Comics

Kawakata Kaoru's shounen harem comedy Open Sesame ends with me having steadfastly refused to read it all throughout its Indonesian run. Informing the finale's release simply as a "public service" because 3L Comics doesn't (or won't) advise.

Albeit now officially a couple, Yamato and Maki still face problems. Yamato finds it difficult to decide his future path, although with Maki promising to always be by his side, he believes he can tough things out.

But when Yamato finally makes his choice, Maki moves to New York without warning! What will happen to their eternal togetherness now?

Koi Koi Country Road
© Fujisawa Shizuki/
Shogakukan
Published in Indonesia as
Love Love Road
by 3L Comics

Meanwhile, Fujisawa Shizuki's Koi Koi Country Road finally comes out in licensed form, with 3L's release of Love Love Road last 28 January. The standalone from the creator of Love Fighter! and Harem Lodge follows a high school boy's transfer to a rural village. Not only does he find himself engaged when he gets there — he also becomes the main attraction in a holy ritual!?

This shoujo romance comedy was originally serialized in Betsucomi.

3L Comics manga (2010.01.28)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details and cover scans.

1. [New] Love Love Road (Koi Koi Country Road) by Fujisawa Shizuki

Koi Koi Country Road 「 恋々カントリーロード 」 by Fujisawa Shizuki
Shogakukan Betsucomi, shoujo
This volume first published in Japan 2006.10

2. Open Sesame 20 of 20 by Kawakata Kaoru [Finale]

Open Sesame 「 ＯＰＥＮ　ＳＥＳＡＭＥ 」 by Kawakata Kaoru
Kodansha Magazine Special, shounen
Volume 20 first published in Japan 2008.05

Source: Angelzon.com

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

disclaimer

Cover images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

other manga available (27 January 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Black Butler 5 · Q.E.D. 32 · Naruto 47 · HanaLaLa 46 · AAA (Triple A) 2 · Yakitate!! Japan 16 · Trigun Maximum 13 · Tale of Poor Sisters 1 by Kazuto Izumi · New Little Ghost Q-Taro 1 by Fujiko F. Fujio · Fengsui School by Shouji Haruka and Natsu Midori
• Level Comics: My Lovely Honey 2 · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · The Swan Robe by Kodama Yuki · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike
• m&c!: Special A 16 · White Paper Ark 4 · Rento 3 of 3 · Charm Angel 4 · Cherry 39 · The Story of Wang Xiao Long 1 by Tony Wong KOLONI: Binatang Jatuh 1 by Erick Sulaiman

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga

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Lucky Luke - Klondike ROMIC (Level Comics street date: 27 January 2010)

Deploying the artwork I got anyway series, Part 12 of 12

Lucky Luke: Le Klondike © Morris, Yann and Jean Léturgie/Lucky Productions
Indonesian translation by PT Elex Media Komputindo
[Cover provided by Level Comics]

Lucky Luke - Klondike

By Morris, Yann and Jean Léturgie
Original title: Lucky Luke 65: Le Klondike
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

Waldo Badminton hires Lucky Luke to locate Jasper, Waldo's friend lost in the Klondike after the discovery of gold along the river brings prospectors in the thousands. As getting to Dawson City is no easy task, people are startled by the sight of Jolly Jumper actually reaching the base camp. How did Luke and his horse manage the feat? And more importantly, can Waldo and Luke find Jasper in the frenzied throng?

Going by the cover, we have a hint of how Luke and JJ reached Dawson City.

Level Comics' Lucky Luke titles

1. Tambang Emas Dick Digger (Dick Digger's Gold Mine)
2. Dalton Bersauda Amnesia (The Daltons' Amnesia)
3. Rodeo
4. Berburu Hantu (Ghosthunt)
5. Arizona
6. Dalton Bersauda ke Pernikahan (The Daltons at a Wedding)
7. Di Bawah Langit Barat (Under the Western Sky)
8. Jembatan Mississippi (Bridge Over The Mississippi)
9. Lucky Luke VS Pat Poker
10. Kid Lucky
11. Buronan (Outlaw)
12. Belle Starr
13. Ramuan Dokter Doxey (Dr Doxey's Elixir)
14. Klondike
15. Phil Defer (Lucky Luke VS Phil Defer)
16. O.K. Corral
17. Waspada Si Kaki Biru (Beware of the Bluefoots)
18. Oklahoma Jim
19. Rel Melintasi Padang (Rails on the Prairie)
20. Marcel Dalton
21. Lucky Luke VS Joss Jamon
22. Sang Nabi (The Prophet)
23. Sepupu Dalton (The Dalton Cousins)
24. Pelukis (The Painter)

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level's Lenny-san for providing the artwork and summary for this volume

disclaimer

Cover image and source summary used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · The Swan Robe · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

other invaluable resources

Wikipedia: Lucky Luke series

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Glass Chair 4 josei manga by Nakamura Mariko (Level Comics street date: 27 January 2010)

Deploying the artwork I got anyway series, Part 11

Garasu no Isu © Nakamura Mariko/Kodansha (Serialized in Be Love)
Published in Indonesia as Glass Chair by Elex Media/Level Comics

Glass Chair 4 of 8

By Nakamura Mariko
Original title: ガラスの椅子 (Garasu no Isu)
Kodansha, originally serialized in Be Love, josei
Volume 4 first released in Japan 2005.12
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

Aoi decides to marry Hayao over the objections of Izuru who just doesn't trust Aoi's future spouse. Aoi, meanwhile, is bewildered by her parent's bemusement over Aoi and Hayao's upcoming trip to Kochi. Kochi, it seems, holds the answers to the misfortune that befell the Sunochi family.

Back cover behind the fake cut.

Oooh. Rabu rabu!

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork and summary

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · The Swan Robe · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

other invaluable resources

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Officer Monju 2 seinen manga by Miyashita Hiroki (Level Comics street date: 27 January 2010)

Deploying the artwork I got anyway series, Part 10

Seigi Keikan Monju © Miyashita Hiroki/Shogakukan (Serialized in Sunday GX)
Published in Indonesia as Officer Monju by Elex Media/Level Comics

Officer Monju 2 of 8+

By Miyashita Hiroki
Original title: 正義警官モンジュ (Seigi Keikan Monju)
Shogakukan, serialized in Sunday GX, seinen
Volume 2 first released in Japan 2006.05
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

Mitsuhori's special force plans to put an end to Monju's program by dragging in a clueless Mana. Officer Monju's secret is exposed, as is Shino's!

Reiterating that this story delves into the desire of robots/machines to achieve humanity and thus, become more humane than humans. Level recommends the series if you like Patlabor, also about mechs in police, military, and industrial service.

Obviously, the back cover of Officer Monju2

Peace out.

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who continues to thank Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork and summary

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · The Swan Robe · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

other invaluable resources

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SORA! 5 of 5 seinen manga by Yajima Masao & Hikino Shinji (Level Comics street date: 27 January 2010)

Deploying the artwork I got anyway series, Part 9 (Hey, it's the series finale. It deserves a spotlight, otherwise nakimushi Sora might drown me in tears.)

SORA! -Flight Attendant Monogatari- © Yajima Masao & Hikino Shinji/Shogakukan
(Serialized in Big Comic)
Published in Indonesia as SORA! by Elex Media/Level Comics

SORA! 5 of 5

By Yajima Masao & Hikino Shinji
Original title: ＳＯＲＡ！‐フライト・アテンダント物 (SORA! -Flight Attendant Monogatari-)
Shogakukan, originally serialized in Big Comic, seinen
Volume 5: 5th flight first released in Japan 2007.06
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

A husband and wife consider their son, the fatal victim of an accident, their "sun." The bitter loss pushes the couple to retire in a hot springs resort, there to live out the rest of their now sun-less lives. Sora, who feels their withdrawal is a symptom of something deeper, announces something over the plane's PA system. What is Sora's message?

I mentioned spotlight at the top of the post. Let's have the 5th flight do a 180° to show off the back:

So I guess that's Sora and crew bidding us farewell.

Oh wait. Just discovered SORA! has a prequel — Big Wing (18 volumes). What's betting Level goes and licenses this? (As fellow manga reviewer raven-san noted in a tweet, Level does have this propensity for releasing sequels first.)

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who continues to thank Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork and summary

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · The Swan Robe · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga

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Psychometrist Eiji 11 by Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi (Level Comics street date: 27 January 2010)

Deploying the artwork I got anyway series, Part 8 (after a short break for RL)

Psychometrer Eiji © Ando Yuma & Asaki Masashi/Kodansha
(Serialized in Weekly Shounen Magazine)
Published in Indonesia as Psychometrist Eiji by Elex Media/Level Comics

Psychometrist Eiji 11

By Ando Yuma (Agi Tadashi) and Asaki Masashi
Original title: サイコメトラーＥＩＪＩ (Psychometrer Eiji)
Kodansha, originally serialized in Shuukan Shounen Magazine, shounen
Volume 11 first released in Japan 1998.05
Series re-released in 12 volumes from 2007.06 to 2008.05
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

The Yasuoka gang shatters the peace Eiji and Toru worked so hard to restore in Shibuya, and in the ensuing melee, Eiji is stabbed. At the same time, Toru's senior Ikushima shows up.

The Psychometrer Eiji manga was also adapted into live-action renzoku drama. Alternatively known as Simply Psychic, it ran for two seasons on NTV (January to March 1997 and October to December 1999).

Still can't wrap my head around the fact that not only is storywriter Ando Yuma (Kunimitsu) Agi Tadashi (The Drops of God), but also Amagi Seimaru (Kindaichi Case Files, Remote, Detective School Q) and Aoki Yuya (Get Backers). And all of the nom de guerre I mentioned (there are still a couple more pennames he does business under) are uber brands! *offers Sensei a long standing ovation*

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who continues to thank Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork and summary

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · The Swan Robe · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Wikipedia

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ARMS 16 shounen manga by Minagawa Ryouji and Nanatsuki Kyouichi (Level Comics street date: 27 January 2010)

Deploying the artwork I got anyway series, Part 7 (In any case, you're talking to a card-carrying Alice in Wonderland fan)

ARMS © Minagawa Ryouji & Nanatsuki Kyouichi/Shogakukan (Serialized in Shonen Sunday)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

ARMS 16

By Minagawa Ryouji and Nanatsuki Kyouichi
Original title: ＡＲＭＳ
Shogakukan, originally serialized in Shonen Sunday, shounen
Volume 16 first released in Japan 2001.03
Series re-released in 12 volumes from 2007.06 to 2008.05
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

Having penetrated Carillon Tower, the nerve center of the Egrigori organization bent on creating a cyborg-dominated future for humankind, the Arms race to lay waste to the center's facilities.

Hayato is suspicious of Bobby's eagerness to exterminate Ryou, when the enemy forces are focused on bringing down Knight. Apparently, Black had gotten to Bobby, promising him freedom in exchange for Ryou's life. Ryou only realizes this belatedly, but regret will have to wait, for Huey shows up. The NEXT Egrigori weapon surpasses previous combat cyborgs!

[With additions from Amazon's description of Project ARMS volume 16 (VIZ Media edition)]

This series was awarded the 1999 Shogakukan Manga Award for the shounen category, although it's still the Alice's Adventures in Wonderland influence that continues to intrigue me. As I babbled over on the Level 27 January manga post, one of these days, I'll actually get around to reading this thing, lurvin' Alice in Wonderland-inspired manga (yes, I'm talking about you, Heart no Kuni no Alice) like I do. The question is: will I get to read/catch up with this series before Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland premieres?

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork and summary

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · The Swan Robe · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Wikipedia

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Feverish Girl 9 shoujo manga by Miyasaka Kaho (Level Comics street date: 27 January 2010)

Deploying the artwork I got anyway series, Part 6

Binetsu Shoujo © Miyasaka Kaho/Shogakukan (Serialized in Sho-Comi)
Published in Indonesia as Feverish Girl by Elex Media/Level Comics

Feverish Girl 9

By Miyasaka Kaho
Original title: 微熱少女 (Binetsu Shoujo)
Shogakukan, originally serialized in Sho-Comi, shoujo
Volume 9 first released in Japan 2001.04
Series re-released in five volumes in 2006
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

What with exams coming up, Hiro behaves himself and forgoes the rabu-rabu with girlfriend Rina. Rina meets Hiro's beautiful tutor and starts worrying about their dateless relationship big-time. Albeit setting the No contact! in temporary mode, Hiro doesn't help matters any; what's more, he decides to go to university in Hiroshima. His confirmation of the news results in Rina fainting from the shock. What's in store for our couple? And how will Hiro handle Rina's health turning for the worse?

It speaks volumes about how much I've neglected this Miyasaka Kaho series that I can't identify the characters on the back cover.

(Hi, ayu-san! I know it's not much, but this is about all I have of more Feverish Girl 9 cuteness.)

Other manga by Miyasaka Kaho (released by Level Comics)

• 16 engage
• First Kiss (16-sai Kiss anthology with Minami Kanan, Nakamura Sayumi, Yuina Haga, Fukami Sakana, Ibuki Kaede, Satsuki Mikiko)
• Kiss in the Blue
• Love Affair (Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta AKA We Experienced the Affair)
• My First Love (Kare First Love)

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork and summary

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · The Swan Robe · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Eagle 9 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping

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Eagle 9 seinen manga by Kawaguchi Kaiji (Level Comics street date: 27 January 2010)

Deploying the artwork I got anyway series, Part 5 (Because I'm anal like that.)

Eagle © Kawaguchi Kaiji/Shogakukan (Serialized in Big Comic)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Eagle 9

By Kawaguchi Kaiji
Original title: イーグル (Eagle)
Shogakukan, originally serialized in Big Comic, seinen
Volume 9 first released in Japan 2000.09
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

The contest between Democratic presidential candidate Kenneth Yamaoka and Republican standard bearer Richard Grant heats up, with both presidential hopefuls scrambling for endorsement. Yamaoka returns to his birthplace Seattle to drum up support, but backing is slow in coming!

Manga-ka Kawaguchi Kaiji-sensei reportedly created this series after researching the U.S. presidential election process. Although protagonist Takashi Jo and Kenneth Yamaoka are original characters, the seinen manga also slots neatly into the roman à clef genre as several real personages appear with invented names. (Are you reading this series, Andrea-sensei? It seems like something that would appeal.)

The manga received five Eisner Awards (The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards) nominations, including Best New Series, Best Continuing Series, Best Writer/Artist, and Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material for 2001 and 2002. VIZ Media published Eagle: The Making of an Asian-American President in five volumes (complete).

Other manga by Kawaguchi Kaiji (released by Level Comics)

• Life Existence (Seizon - Life), story by Fukumoto Nobuyuki
• A Spirit of the Sun (Taiyou no Mokushiroku)
• Zipang (winner, 26th Kodansha Manga Award for General Manga)

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork and summary

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · The Swan Robe · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

other invaluable resources

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You won't find this back cover on your Fight!! Ippo 74 (Level Comics street date: 27 January 2010)

Until this point, we're on the same page. Or cover, as it were:

Hajime no Ippo © Morikawa Joji/Kodansha
(Serialized in Weekly Shounen Magazine)
Published in Indonesia as Fight!! Ippo by Elex Media/Level Comics
[Artwork provided by Level Comics]

Fight!! Ippo 74

By Morikawa Joji
Original title: はじめの一歩 (Hajime no Ippo)
AKA Fighting Spirit
Kodansha Shuukan Shounen Magazine, shounen
Volume 74 first released in Japan 2005.12
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Here's where it gets into LQTM (laughing quietly to myself) territory:

Fight!! Ippo draft back cover -
CLICKME!

I'm fortunate that Level has always been generous with the covers for my blog posts, and infrequently, that benevolence extends to unlooked for gems. Sometimes, the artwork I'm given is not yet final—you can see what I mean if you click the back cover on the left.

Now, doesn't that merit a smile, if not a LOL? Especially the graphic designer's observation of how scare the pants off terrifying Ippo is on the front cover and the What's going to happen? Let's wait for the story from the editor comments that pass for a placeholder blurb.

(Okay, so I find joy in little things. Sue me.)

BTW, volume 74 contains these chapters:
Round 692: The Same View
Round 693: Death Sentence Executed
Round 694: The Final Attack
Round 695: A Battle Beyond Fists
Round 696: Instinct
Round 697: A Ring With No Winner
Round 698: Championship Belt
Round 699: Final Appearance
Round 700: Disturbance at Kamogawa Gym
Round 701: Former Little Leaguers
Round 702: An Unexpected Weakness
Round 703: The True Star Appears

[Chapter titles c/o Wikipedia]

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the artwork and hopes, prays that she will continue to do so despite my poking (good-natured) fun at this pre-revision Ippo back cover

P.S. I get the feeling this volume is not yet in stores. If you've already seen it, please leave me a comment. Sankyuu~

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · The Swan Robe · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

other invaluable resources

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Lock 'n Load: Black Lagoon 3 by Hiroe Rei (Level Comics street date: 27 January 2010)

Black Lagoon © Hiroe Rei/Shogakukan (Serialized in Sunday GX)
Published in Indonesia by Elex Media/Level Comics

Black Lagoon 3

By Hiroe Rei
Original title: ＢＬＡＣＫ　ＬＡＧＯＯＮ
Shogakukan Sunday GX, seinen
Volume 3 first released in Japan 2004.04
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

Roanapur Triad boss Chang hires the Lagoon Company to transport a terrorist group's secret documents to the CIA; in the ensuing chase, Rock is captured and interrogated. One of Rock's inquisitors turns out to be a Japanese who has left home for reasons he thinks Rock shares.

(Yes, I made some slight changes to the blurb I originally posted, based on Level's back cover.)

Reiterating: Contains chapters:
13: Bloodsport Fairy tale Part 3
14: Bloodsport Fairy tale Part 4
15: Bloodsport Fairy tale Part 5
16: Goat, Jihad, Rock'N Roll Part 1
17: Goat, Jihad, Rock'N Roll Part 2
18: Goat, Jihad, Rock'N Roll Part 3
19: Goat, Jihad, Rock'N Roll Part 4
20: Goat, Jihad, Rock'N Roll Part 5

[Chapter titles c/o Wikipedia]

Black Lagoon is also published in English by VIZ Media (volume 8 released 2009.10.13) and Chuang Yi (two volumes, ongoing).

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the cover and blurb

P.S. Anime update: The Black Lagoon OAV is expected to release in 2010.

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · The Swan Robe · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

other invaluable resources

7net Shopping · Baka-Updates Manga

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Barairo My Honey by Ohmi Tomu josei manga review: Don't look for no objectivity here

Barairo My Honey © Ohmi Tomu/Shogakukan
Published in Indonesia by Level Comics
as My Lovely Honey

My Lovely Honey by Ohmi Tomu
First published in Japan as Barairo My Honey by Shogakukan, originally serialized in Petit Comic
Indonesian translation by Level Comics

Barairo love: Don't look for no objectivity here

Review by huamulan03 (Some rights reserved)

Barairo My Honey has got to be Ohmi Tomu-sensei's most Awww-some story evah!, one I prefer over similarly supernatural-troped Midnight Secretary (vampires) or Kindan no Koi wo Shiyou (lycanthropes), despite or most likely because of the lean smut pickins'.

The romance comedy stars Koume and Mikage, not your average employee-boss pair; between them is a tiger (Barairo), the embodiment of Mikage's more extreme emotions. As the bonafide tiger tamer, Koume is the only one capable of keeping Barairo in line. There's another tiger tamer, Kotaro, but the distinction stops at titular, guaranteed by his status in the family that has served generations of Tiger Masters. (Yes, Mika is the latest one.)

Mika-chan, the crown prince of the powerful Tomonaga group of companies doesn't come by his inheritance easily. The strongest Tiger Master since the first Tomonaga clan head, he not only has trouble keeping the lid on his more volatile emotions (despite the Ice Man look he sports), but also in reining in some of the family's disgruntled. He was drawn to Koume even before finding out that she's the true tiger tamer.

While Koume doesn't rank up there among my favorite female protagonists, I like how her isshokenmei efforts on Mikage's behalf are always underpinned by genuine caring—even before she realizes she loves him (after which she redoubles her efforts to protect him and Barairo). Mika-chan scores high for his deviation from Sensei's standard, draconian All Girls Want Bad Boys heroes. (Okay, so Mika-chan has a bit of that in him, though he's really more Troubled But Cute.)

Rating

I give the series 8 of 10 roses, which translates to a delight even on the second or third time around.

That the storyline is largely predictable but remains engrossing attests to the investment worthiness of the leads and the manga-ka's honest, credible portrayal of their emotions. Mika's best friend Kotaro and Barairo the tiger provide welcome levity (in addition, the sunny Kotaro is the other side of the eyecandy). Art- and character design-wise, Barairo My Honey resembles other Ohmi Tomu manga I've read (Mika actually reminds me of Midnight Secretary's Kyouhei), which is NOT a complaint. (I'll take biseinen anyday...)

Level Comics released My Lovely Honey volume 1 on 7 October 2009; volume 2 was scheduled for 27 January 2010.

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the covers

P.S. W00t! My first review for 2010!

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Cover images used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

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Two down, one to go (LC: My Lovely Honey 2, street date: 27 January 2010)

Barairo My Honey © Ohmi Tomu/Shogakukan
Published in Indonesia as My Lovely Honey by Elex Media/Level Comics
[Artwork provided by Level Comics]

Shameless plug: Check out my mini, biased series review (huamulan03's Barairo love) that explicates the DO WANT! paw print designation of this volume.

My Lovely Honey 2

By Ohmi Tomu
Original title: 薔薇色ｍｙハニー (Barairo My Honey)
Shogakukan Petit Comic, josei
Volume 2 first released in Japan 2006.03
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

DO WANT!

Synopsis

"Demoted" tiger tamer Kotaro arranges a date between Koume and Mikage, but his plans disintegrate around his ears and the date turns out a disaster!

Contains chapters: (6) Rendezvous with Barairo (7) The Thorns of the Rose (8) Below the Mistletoe (9) Barairo Dawn (10) Barairo Tea Party. [Chapter titles c/o Aerandria Scans]

Here's Kotaro with Barairo:

This volume also contains the problematic (and clichéd) He has a fianceé!? sub-plot.

Street date: 27 January 2010

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03) who thanks Level editor Lenny-san for the cover and blurb

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

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Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

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It's probably *NOT* nightmare fuel (LC: The Swan Robe manga, street date: 27 January 2010)

Hagoromo Mishin © Kodama Yuki/Shogakukan
Published in Indonesia as The Swan Robe by Elex Media/Level Comics
[Artwork provided by Level Comics]

The Swan Robe

By Kodama Yuki
Original title: 羽衣ミシン (Hagoromo Mishin)
Shogakukan, first serialized in Flowers, josei
This volume released in Japan in 2007.08
Published in Indonesia 2010.01 by PT Elex Media Komputindo/Level Comics

Synopsis

College student Yoichi helps a swan stuck on a bridge, only to be visited later in the night by Miwa, a beautiful woman claiming to have been the same swan Yoichi rescued. Miwa stays with Yoichi to pay back her debt, but Yoichi harbors doubts about Miwa really being a swan. With his uneasiness, is there hope for a relationship between Yoichi and Miwa?

Insider impressions

My babbling about how swans creep me out aside, Priest editor Lenny-san recommends The Swan Robe. A good read is how the manhwa/manga editor who claims not to like Serial Cantik titles puts it. She adds that it's a slice-of-life with a grown up feel. (If you're wondering what she meant by that, like I am, try out The Swan Robe, streeting 27 January 2010.)

What huamulan03 thinks about the art

Preliminary thoughts: Going by both the front and back covers, it looks very Hakusensha shoujo to me:

Back cover, The Swan Robe (Level Comics)

The front cover gives off this very ethereal air quite apropos for the faerie talesque theme. I'm also intrigued (enraptured, more like) by the bespectacled guy among the cast (above) prettifying the landscape (though I doubt he's Yoichi). The megane moe goes a long way to dispelling the nightmare fuel miasma and the for some strange reason reminiscent of Ayashi no Ceres aura (blame the hagoromo) lingering about Swan Robe.

Other works by this manga-ka

• Apollon on the Slope (Indonesian debut: 6 January)

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

Level Comics manga currently available (27 January 2010 street date)

My Lovely Honey 2 · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike

disclaimer

Images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

related monthly schedules

Level Comics January 2010 manga, manhwa, and manhua
Premiering Priest by Hyung MinWoo · The Drops of God by Agi Tadashi · Exit by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise by Kikuchi Shota · Akihabara@Deep by Ishida Ira

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Samurai Champloo premieres on Animax Asia 27 January 2010

Airs every Wednesday thereafter at 7PM WIB (GMT+7)

Samurai Champloo © manglobe/Shimoigusa Champloos

These air times are GMT+7; add one hour for Southeast Asia and Philippine air times.

Samurai Champloo premieres 27 January 2010, Wednesday, 7PM WIB, on Animax Asia and airs every Wednesday thereafter at the same time, with encores at 11PM and 730AM and 11AM the next day.

Animax's synopsis of this unique anime series that breaks the barriers of a conventional historical samurai tale with a modern, hip-hop twist:

Set in Japan in the Edo era, the series centres on Mugen and Jin, the former is a fierce warrior with break-dance-inspired fighting moves, while the latter is a cold-blooded and conceited samurai who thinks he has no equal. Their paths cross amidst a series of fights as ditzy waitress Fuu convinces them to join her search for a mysterious samurai that smells like sunflowers...

Kyaaa~! Natsukashii!!

Cowboy Bebop's Watanabe Shinichiro created and directed Samurai Champloo. The anime, spanning 26 episodes, aired in Japan on Fuji TV from May 2004 through March 2005, with seiyuu Nakai Kazuya, Sato Ginpei, and Kawasumi Ayako as Mugen, Jin♡, and Fuu respectively. (You can tell that I wub the glasses-wearing Jin, can't you?)

The OP Battlecry was performed by Nujabes feat. SHINGO2. There are five EDs: (1) Shiki no Uta (Song of the Seasons); (2) Who's Theme (ep 12), both by Minmi; (3) YOU by kazami (ep 17); (4) FLY [SMALL CIRCLE OF FRIENDS] by Tsutchie & fat jon (ep 23); and (5) San Francisco by Midicronica (ep 26).

If you're wondering about the Champloo in the title, Wiki sez the word comes from the Okinawan word chanpurū (as in gōyā chanpurū, the Okinawan stir-fry dish containing bitter melon). Chanpurū, alone, simply means 'to mix' or 'to hash.'

Samurai Champloo on Animax Asia: Airdates/airtimes (partial)

Episode	Date	Airs (WIB)
Episode 1: Shippuu dotou (Storm and Stress) (premiere)	WED/27 Jan 2010	7PM
Episode 2: Hyakkiyakō (Veritable Pandemonium)	WED/27 Jan	730PM
Episode 1 (encore 1)	WED/27 Jan	11PM
Episode 2 (encore 1)	WED/27 Jan	1130PM
Episode 1 (encore 2)	THU/28 Jan	730AM
Episode 2 (encore 2)	THU/28 Jan	8AM
Episode 1 (encore 3)	THU/28 Jan	11AM
Episode 2 (encore 3)	THU/28 Jan	1130AM

For weekend replays, please check the Animax schedule.

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

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Perfect Partner by Minami Kanan and Private Lesson by Yamada Komomo (3L shoujo manga out now)

With that, the post writes itself.

Perfect Partner © Minami Kanan/Shogakukan
Kojin Jugyou (Private Lesson) © Yamada Komomo/Shogakukan
Published in Indonesia by PT Tiga Lancar Semesta/3L Comics

NOT!

Getting as close to automatic writing as I can regardless, be prepared for gratuitous babbling.

I haven't actually set eyes on these two shoujo manga in bookstores; just saw them online. Don't blame me for the tardiness of the info (street date: 21 January 2010); 3L Comics refuses to entertain requests for release schedules. (Yes, I emailed them.)

In Perfect Partner by Minami Kanan (Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu), Aina's school adlibs a Pair Test. Teachers randomly divide the students into groups of two, with the pair's grades then determined by their cumulative scores. F-averaged Aina draws the school's brightest Shinga in the partner pool. Wanting to impress Shinga (who also happens to be Aina's crush), and reluctant to see his grades slide, Aina gives studying her Ganbarimasu! best. Her efforts seem to pay off, the net result being a closer relationship with Shinga. But just when it seems the romance is all rosy-pink, second-placer Sawaguchi barges in.

CAVEAT: Shoujo smut. (That Aina and Shinga's making out is broadcast over the school's PA system is probably the least of it.)

Meanwhile, Private Lesson by Yamada Komomo (Otona no Jikan), is very obviously a teacher-student romance.

3L manga (2010.01.21)

Release links are hide/unhide. Click for more details and cover scans.

1. [New] Perfect Partner by Minami Kanan

Perfect Partner 「 パーフェクト・パートナー 」 by Minami Kanan
Shogakukan Flower Comics, shoujo
This volume first published in Japan 2002.01

2. [New] Private Lesson (Kojin Jugyou) by Yamada Komomo

Kojin Jugyou 「 個人授業 」 by Yamada Komomo
Shogakukan Cheese!, shoujo
This volume first published in Japan 2005.03

[Summaries adapted from Angelzon.com synopses]

To GET! or not to GET!

Private Lesson, serialized in Cheese! though it is, is a DO WANT! I wubbed Goshunjin-sama to Watashi that 3L released as Master and I early last year and I'm hoping this omnibus will induce a similar fangirl euphoria, if not exceed its predecessor's.

~niki DBA huamulan03 (花木蘭03)

disclaimer

Cover images and source summaries used here for reference are © their respective intellectual rights holders. No infringement intended.

manga currently available (20 January 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Library War - Love and War 2 · C.M.B. 11 · The Ruler of Nabari 6 · Maria Holic 1 by Endou Minari · School Rumble 6 · Nephylym 2 · Raiders 3 · Nakayoshi 76
• Level Comics: Ice Forest 2 · Priest 1 by Hyung MinWoo · Little Jumper 7 of 7 · Jepang Tenggelam 4 · Restore Garage 251 by Tsugihara Ryuji volume 1 · K2 volume 1 by Mafune Kazuo · Exit 1 by Fujita Takami · Onsen Paradise 1 by Kikuchi Shota · Smurf - Smurf dan Telur Ajaib
• m&c!: Shanimuni Go 26 · Yowamushi Pedal, Go! 4 · Otome Road by Jinna Mai · A Badboy Drinks Tea 5 · Long Hu Men 163 · Twins Final Chapter 4 and KOLONI local comics: Chrysanthemum, 4Hero, and B.O.C.A.H.

next available (27 January 2010 street date)

• Elex Media: Black Butler 5 · Q.E.D. 32 · Naruto 47 · HanaLaLa 46 · AAA (Triple A) 2 · Yakitate!! Japan 16 · Trigun Maximum 13 · Tale of Poor Sisters 1 by Kazuto Izumi · New Little Ghost Q-Taro 1 by Fujiko F. Fujio · Fengsui School by Shouji Haruka and Natsu Midori
• Level Comics: My Lovely Honey 2 · Black Lagoon 3 · Akihabara @ Deep 1 by Ishida Ira & Akane Makoto · The Swan's Robe by Kodama Yuki · Psychometrist Eiji 11 · Lucky Luke - Klondike
• m&c!: Special A 16 · White Paper Ark 4 · Rento 3 of 3 · Charm Angel 4 · Cherry 39 · The Story of Wang Xiao Long 1 by Tony Wong KOLONI: Binatang Jatuh 1 by Erick Sulaiman

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